Q: How do I know if my allergy shots are working?
Hi B2... I feel your pain. I never had much luck with allergy shots helping my allergy symptoms either. But, in fairness, it can take a year or two before you have noticeable results.
For the large majority of people, allergy shots are an effective preventive treatment. But no treatment works for every single person. We are all different and in many ways the workings of our bodies are mysterious. Treatment is often a bit of trial and error.
If you're concerned about your reactions (both positive and negative) to the allergy shots, then discuss it with your physician openly and honestly. Ask the questions you pose here. And if you're not satisfied with the answers, you always have the option to seek out a second opinion from a different allergist.
And in the end, the decision on what to do is yours. It's your body. It could be that the shots will eventually take effect and you'll be glad you stuck it out. Or maybe not.
Good luck to you,
Kathi
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you very much for your reply. I am going to give it one year and, if I still see no improvement, I will stop the allergy shots. Since June, the only thing I have gotten from them are swollen arms and baseball-sized lumps where the injections are. This last one was 4" by 6", and that is typical for me--expecially on the pollens. They only give me 1/2 dose each time, and I have 4 vials. I can only have a shot from 3 vials per week, so they rotate the vials so I get a different 3 each time. This is going to take forever.